Would You Bother?

[ColwynsMommy]

I'm debating whether or not to try to grow anything at all this year, and hoping for some thoughts.

First off, New Baby (#4) is due right in the middle of planting season. I had been hoping to get several things in the ground before giving birth, and then directing my husband on how/where to plant things that really need to wait until after the last frost date. But I don't know how much time/effort I'm going to be able to invest with four little ones, anyway.. there's more than a passing chance that the garden will be neglected.

Secondly, we may be moving sometime soon. We have no idea whether that will be in one month or six, or if we'll somehow be able to stay here. We don't even know *when* we'll know. I hate the idea of putting a lot of work (and money) into the garden if we're moving soon. On the other hand, I hate the idea of the beds looking empty and forlorn for the time that we will be here, and also.. what if we don't move (for six months, or at all).. the whole season will have been wasted.

I could just plant some things in pots, but the only pots we have are huge and difficult to move (I can push them across the deck, but there's no way I could lift them). I also have no idea where we'd be moving to, if we'd have somewhere to do container gardening.

So.. would you skip it or plant things anyway?

[mattemma04]

I would still put in a few tomato plants and plant some zucchini seeds.For pots you could use some 5 gallon buckets.We get some free 5 gallon pickle buckets from a restaurant.

[Autumn Breeze]

I would have to still do something. Even if it was just some flowers, or plants that didn't require a lot of time. Since the beds are already there.

Just do a major downsize.

[lmonter]

Plant things in containers. You can find cheapish nice looking pots at Big Lots or some of the big box retailers, or find your local (tree) nurseries, call 'em up and ask if they have big pots for sale. The nursery up the street from me even has 25-gallon pots (for $20 or $25 which is a ripoff to me, but that's beside the point). I've gotten 10-15 gallon pots for $.80-$1.75/ea. Not exactly super super pretty, but totally functional, and the drainage holes are already there.

I'm in a similar boat, so I'm going to plant a few things like peas and beans in the ground that I won't cry about leaving behind, as well as lettuce and such. Now, my tomatoes and basil and a few other things? Containering it up. But I'm also digging up things from the yard to put in pots to take with us - asparagus, raspberries, blackberries, maybe blueberries, strawberries, etc.

Anyway, yeah, plan to take it easy garden-wise so you don't feel super overwhelmed or disappointed later on. I just had #4 five weeks ago. Yeah. I miss sleep.

[lobster]

Your situation sounds just like mine! I'm due next week with our third child, and we're putting our house up for sale on May 1st. So, I'll be starting the growing season with a newborn, a 2-yr-old and a 3-yr-old, and wondering when & where we will move.

My plan? I'm just going ahead with everything as though there's nothing out of the ordinary happening. I've had enough of putting my life on hold because of what *might* happen.

I've already started six varieties of tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, pumpkins, sage, thyme, spearmint, three varieties of peppers, etc etc. Our grow table & our window sills are full, and these plants need to go somewhere! So whether I feel like it or not in a month or so, I will be gardening

[ms.shell]

i was in almost exactly your situation last year. we didnt have to move after all.
and my baby was born April 1. I was much too huge and uncomfortable to do ANY garden work in early spring before he was born- he had dropped really low early and i couldnt bend over. So dp did ALL of the preparatory work, under my direction, and i waited until the baby was born to plant. I planted the garden on April 7, which is a full 3 weeks after our LFD. This wasnt too late and everything was fine; last year was our best garden yet (tho this years will be better). I was concerned with having a newborn and finding garden time, but my baby was really sleepy for the first few months, so i had tons of time to work in the garden. I am more concerned with this year, as he is walking and cant be left inside unattended as i did last year with him sleeping. i am working on acquiring yard toys and actually considering building a small fenced enclosure in a corner of the yard so he can be safe and i can pay attention to the plants without worrying about him. of course, in summer, big brother will be earning quarters helping to watch him, i am sure.
Like a pp said, i would have to plant something!

[JessicaS]

I would put tomatoes in five gallon buckets and take them with me if I moved

[Smithie]

I vote for planting stuff you won't cry to leave behind. Stick in tomato seedlings from the store (or farmer's market if you're lucky enough to have one that sells them), summer squash, melons etc. Getting out there for a little weeding and mulching will be GOOD for you. Just keep it simple.

If you feel up to tossing in some seeds for cool-weather stuff before you give birth, go for it. View your garden this year as a vehicle for your happiness and relaxation, not a miniature food farm.

[demetria]

Some great suggestions have been given, so I won't repeat them, but my one thought is this. Plant some things that give you joy. Big flowers, fast growing ones that will greet your little one and give you joy to see blooming and growing. You can cut some for the house or just have them to look upon.
These will also make your house more inviting to potential buyers.

[KristyDi]

Originally Posted by mattemma04

I would still put in a few tomato plants and plant some zucchini seeds.For pots you could use some 5 gallon buckets.We get some free 5 gallon pickle buckets from a restaurant.

Our grocery store bakery will give you the 4 gallon buckets their icing comes in for free.

I'd majorly downsize and try to plant stuff that can stand a little neglect.

I had my dd right at the beginning of planting time 2 years ago. What little I did get planted got almost entirely neglected. I got a few tomatoes and some herbs. Everything else was a bust. A hot very dry summer didn't help the situation either.

[heavensearth]

Like everyone else mentioned, I would totally do a container veggie garden!

Id also plant some low maintenance plants for your yard, that way if you do sell it will attract homebuyers

[Erinz]

I'd for SURE get some cutting greens in, such as a mesclun mix. Grows fast, takes minimal care but dang those fresh greens are the bomb!

I like the idea of flowers too. Sunflowers take almost no care. I let my son plant a bunch of them today. Who knows where they will be, that is part of what I have to do to give up that my garden isn't perfect like it was before kids